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Reading the tea leaves and making crazy assumptions (Brady is healthy), Pioli and Cassel may just be a package deal.
Pioli seems to have dismissed the Browns overtures quite quickly, for reasons we may never know...but...one can assume that the roster situation in Cleveland was a negative. Beyond the me first mentality of several pass catchers, the QB roster seems set for at least a couple of years. I can't believe Pioli would be comfortable with either choice. If I was Pioli, I would rather jam a pen in my eye than allow Brady Quinn, with his Chad Pennington arm, to lead the offense. Throw in a meddling owner that would actually consider hiring the ManJudas....no wonder Pioli has moved on to KC.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, are a team that need a solid house cleaning from top to bottom. It would be a given that he would hire a new Head Coach, clear out the malcontents (Larry Johnson), and begin molding the team his way. The big question becomes...How will he go about solidifying the QB situation. Thigpen was a 55% passer last year and could be seen as a transition QB if KC decides to go #1 for a college QB (3rd pick).
I have to believe that a Pioli led KC team will pass on drafting a QB this early. BB and Pioli together have proven that this roster spot can get filled without risking the ridiculous cash given to the college neophytes. Such a high draft pick is worthy of a very large freaks of nature, a commodity difficult to find (Isn't this what we have been taught over the last 8 years...by BB and Pioli).
No question, the KC fanbase will be clamoring for Bradford (assuming Stafford goes first and Bradford comes out), but Pioli could put his stamp on this team immediately by trading down, collecting picks, and eventually trading for Cassel. Bradford may not be worthy of such a high slot, but the QB position is very thin once Bradford gets picked up. Teams that need a starter may have to overpay. Regardless, Pioli won't spend $40+ mill on potential.
One thing is for certain, Cassel is not potential...he is bonafide. And, he may be a more cost effctive solution at this position, particulary when viewed as the day 1 starter verses the learn from the bench approach for many new QBs.
I know I have yet to explain my conspiracy theory regarding a package deal of Pioli/Cassel...so here goes...I find it both interesting and quite coincidental that someone has been floating the story that Cassel will be franchised, nearly 2 months before necessary). Assuming that the Patriots are responsible for the leak, it becomes clear that BB wants the other teams to know that he is in control of the situation and wants to accelerate the process ( in order to minimize the dead money time that the franchise tag will eat up). Allowing Pioli to obtain Cassel early on benefits all parties. KC gets their QB early (using a 2nd plus a future pick is my prediction), Pioli solidifies this roster spot and retains draft flexibility, the Patriots control Cassel's destination, achieve appropriate compensation, and most importantly, minimize the dead money cap space that gets tied up if a prolonged frachise squabble ensues. You know BB would prefer to hit the ground running during free agency.
In my world, this is a win win win situation for all involved.
Pioli seems to have dismissed the Browns overtures quite quickly, for reasons we may never know...but...one can assume that the roster situation in Cleveland was a negative. Beyond the me first mentality of several pass catchers, the QB roster seems set for at least a couple of years. I can't believe Pioli would be comfortable with either choice. If I was Pioli, I would rather jam a pen in my eye than allow Brady Quinn, with his Chad Pennington arm, to lead the offense. Throw in a meddling owner that would actually consider hiring the ManJudas....no wonder Pioli has moved on to KC.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, are a team that need a solid house cleaning from top to bottom. It would be a given that he would hire a new Head Coach, clear out the malcontents (Larry Johnson), and begin molding the team his way. The big question becomes...How will he go about solidifying the QB situation. Thigpen was a 55% passer last year and could be seen as a transition QB if KC decides to go #1 for a college QB (3rd pick).
I have to believe that a Pioli led KC team will pass on drafting a QB this early. BB and Pioli together have proven that this roster spot can get filled without risking the ridiculous cash given to the college neophytes. Such a high draft pick is worthy of a very large freaks of nature, a commodity difficult to find (Isn't this what we have been taught over the last 8 years...by BB and Pioli).
No question, the KC fanbase will be clamoring for Bradford (assuming Stafford goes first and Bradford comes out), but Pioli could put his stamp on this team immediately by trading down, collecting picks, and eventually trading for Cassel. Bradford may not be worthy of such a high slot, but the QB position is very thin once Bradford gets picked up. Teams that need a starter may have to overpay. Regardless, Pioli won't spend $40+ mill on potential.
One thing is for certain, Cassel is not potential...he is bonafide. And, he may be a more cost effctive solution at this position, particulary when viewed as the day 1 starter verses the learn from the bench approach for many new QBs.
I know I have yet to explain my conspiracy theory regarding a package deal of Pioli/Cassel...so here goes...I find it both interesting and quite coincidental that someone has been floating the story that Cassel will be franchised, nearly 2 months before necessary). Assuming that the Patriots are responsible for the leak, it becomes clear that BB wants the other teams to know that he is in control of the situation and wants to accelerate the process ( in order to minimize the dead money time that the franchise tag will eat up). Allowing Pioli to obtain Cassel early on benefits all parties. KC gets their QB early (using a 2nd plus a future pick is my prediction), Pioli solidifies this roster spot and retains draft flexibility, the Patriots control Cassel's destination, achieve appropriate compensation, and most importantly, minimize the dead money cap space that gets tied up if a prolonged frachise squabble ensues. You know BB would prefer to hit the ground running during free agency.
In my world, this is a win win win situation for all involved.
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